2014 First Round Game 7 vs Clippers
A heartbreak in overtime where a single missed free throw sealed the Thunder's fate.
The 2014 First Round Game 7 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Clippers stands as one of the most dramatic and defining moments in franchise history. Played on April 30, 2014, at the Chesapeake Energy Arena (now Paycom Center), this matchup pitted Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook against Blake Griffin and Chris Paul in a winner-take-all showdown for the Western Conference Quarterfinals. The game is remembered not just for its intensity, but for the heartbreaking collapse that ended the Thunder's season.
- date
- April 30, 2014
- location
- Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City
- series_result
- Clippers win series 4-3
- final_score
- 97-96 (OT)
- key_players
- Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook vs. Blake Griffin, Chris Paul
- overtime_duration
- One period
Lore & Background
The aftermath of this loss was profound, leading to significant roster changes and a shift in the franchise's trajectory over the following seasons. Yet, for many fans, it remains a benchmark of resilience; the Thunder fought until the very last second against a superior opponent on their home court, showcasing the grit that defines the team's identity even in defeat.
In Their Own Story
The arena hummed with a nervous energy that felt almost tangible as the overtime clock wound down. Sweat dripped from Kevin Durant's brow onto the hardwood, his eyes locked on the rim. The crowd was a sea of orange and blue, silent except for the rhythmic thud of sneakers and the referee's whistle. As Russell Westbrook drove to the basket, the noise erupted, only to be swallowed by a collective gasp as the ball hit nothing but net... or so it seemed in the blur of motion.
Reader's Guide
The game was a back-and-forth battle where neither team could establish dominance for long. The Thunder entered the fourth quarter with a comfortable lead, but Blake Griffin's aggressive drives and Chris Paul's precise passing began to chip away at the deficit. With seconds remaining in regulation, the Clippers tied the game, sending it into overtime. In the extra period, every possession was critical. Kevin Durant scored heavily for Oklahoma City, but the Clippers refused to fold. The defining moment came with 3.2 seconds left; Russell Westbrook drove and was fouled by Chris Paul, sending him to the free-throw line with a chance to win the game. Westbrook made the first shot to take a one-point lead, but he missed the second attempt. Blake Griffin secured the rebound as time expired, sealing the 97-96 victory for Los Angeles. This loss is etched in Thunder history as a painful reminder of how quickly momentum can shift and how high the stakes are in Game 7 scenarios.
Did You Know?
- Russell Westbrook missed his final free throw attempt to win the game, a moment often replayed in highlight reels.
- The Clippers became the first team since the 1980s to force overtime in a Game 7 after trailing by double digits late in regulation.
- Kevin Durant scored 36 points in this heartbreaking loss, showcasing his scoring ability even in defeat.
- This was the last playoff series the Thunder lost before eventually reaching the Western Conference Finals the following year.
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